A few days ago, Google officially launched its latest Nexus smartphone models in the United States as the company's primary means of introducing the public to the key features of the new Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.

Both handsets are rather interesting. There's the more expensive metal-clad Nexus 6P made by Huawei and then, there's this one - the slightly more budget-friendly Nexus 5X made by Korean eletronics giant, LG.

As you can see, the Nexus 5X's design language and construction are reminiscent of the best-selling Nexus 5 from two years ago, which was also crafted in partnership with the same handset maker.

The current model also has the same polycarbonate build (in lieu of a metal frame); One of the ways that LG was able to keep its price at arm's reach of many consumers. And interestingly, it's also just slightly wider and taller than its predecessor despite having a bigger 5.2-inch Full HD IPS panel (versus 4.95-inch on the Nexus 5).

Nexus 5X is supposedly better than the release it superseded in five areas:

Despite having the same 2GB RAM and 16/32GB ROM combination as the Nexus 5, 5X nonetheless has a powerful 64-Bit Hexa-Core Snapdragon 808 chipset (versus Snapdragon 800) that should provide far smoother and more enjoyable gaming and overall mobile performance.

The 2015 model also comes with a USB Type C port (already being called 'the future') as well as a fingerprint scanner at the back (for unlocking the phone and making Play Store purchases) which are both absent on the previous release.

In terms of imaging, Google Nexus 5X sports a 13 MegaPixel autofocus camera at the back with laser autofocus, Dual Tone LED flash, f/2.0 aperture, and 1.55µm pixel size. This shooter is complemented by a 5 MegaPixel front-cam providing clear and crisp selfies even in low light settings. This combo represents a considerable boost from the Nexus 5's 8 MegaPixel and 1.3 MP cameras, at least, when we talk about resolution.

I would like to give credit to the cool guys at MobileSyrup and Android Authority for all images in this post.

Battery size also saw an improvement -- and hopefully, it would actually translate to longer uptime. Whereas the 2013 phone only has a 2,300 mAh pack, Nexus 5X is now powered a non-removable 2,700 mAh Li-Po battery with fast-charging support.

And finally, of course, Google Nexus 5X runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system right out of the box. This is the most updated version of Google's mobile OS, coming after Android 5.0 Lollipop which has yet to fully take off in the Philippines as in other emerging markets. You can read about the Six Key Features of Android 6.0 Marshmallow via our previous TP feature on this software release.

The Nexus 5X is now available for pre-order in the United States and in other key territories. It's out in three colors, namely, Ice (Teal), Quartz (White), and Carbon (Black) and Nexus fans can purchase the model for $379 USD for the 16GB version and $429 for the 32GB variant.

I know, they're not expensive but they aren't particularly all that affordable either. Not to mention, there are already more than a handful of amazing smartphone models to choose from in this price echelon.

Anyway, no word yet on its availability in the Philippines. Usually, network carriers like Smart Communications are the ones that officially launch Nexus models locally. That's if they'd bother to bring it here. Nonetheless, we can also expect online sellers like Kimstore to make this available to Pinoys a few after its release in priority markets.